When I have the scanner turned on during boot-up, the whole thing hangs on the boot-up process, which i figured was worse. I can't "modprobe initio" with the scanner connected either (see previous posts).

I've given up. Qtec have not responded to my queries, so I have taken the SCSI card back to the shop for a refund. And try and flog the SCSI cable on eBay because I can't return that.

Too expensive an experiment, so I don't want to try any more SCSI cards. I've caved in and decided to use Win XP exclusively for scanning and photo editing..... I feel ashamed of myself.

Thank you, rnturn and finegan, for allowing your brains to be picked. I only wish there was a happier ending.